Dubai’s mortgage market tops AED 150 billion in the first nine months of 2026
Registered mortgage transactions in Dubai reached AED 150.15 billion between January and September 2026, up approximately 14% year on year, as mortgage platform Holo points to financing as a defining force in a market where different segments are moving at different speeds.
Dubai, 11 November 2026: Dubai’s property market is showing resilience beyond off-plan sales, with registered mortgage transactions reaching AED 150.15 billion in the first nine months of 2026, compared with AED 132.21 billion in the same period of 2025. The increase of approximately 14% year on year underlines the continued importance of property financing in the emirate, according to Holo, the UAE-based mortgage platform.
Holo says the figures reflect changing transaction patterns across Dubai, with financing playing a central role as buyers navigate an evolving market.
Mortgage activity holds its scale
September alone accounted for AED 16.79 billion in registered mortgage value. With off-plan sales moderating over the same period, the continued scale of mortgage activity highlights how central financing has become to Dubai’s property market, and suggests that activity across different segments is evolving at different rates.
Villas and townhouses lead off-plan activity
The shift is most visible in Dubai’s off-plan segment. Off-plan transactions totalled 7,157 deals worth AED 14.3 billion in September 2026, compared with 14,044 transactions worth AED 28.8 billion in September 2025, a 49% moderation in volumes and a 50.5% change in value.
The picture is not uniform across property types. Off-plan villa and townhouse transactions rose 64.1% over the same period, showing continued momentum in selected segments of the market.
“The strength of a property market should not be measured by sales volumes alone.” Michael Hunter, CEO and Co-Founder, Holo
Affordability over momentum
For buyers, these developments place greater emphasis on assessing affordability and long-term financial commitments, rather than focusing solely on property prices or market momentum. Mortgage rates, repayment structures and the overall cost of borrowing remain key considerations, particularly as buyers weigh opportunities across different property segments.
Michael Hunter, said: “Dubai’s latest property figures highlight how different segments of the market can move in different directions. While off-plan activity has moderated, mortgage registrations continue to represent a significant part of the market. This is an important reminder that the strength of a property market should not be measured by sales volumes alone. For buyers, the focus should remain on affordability, financing options and the long-term commitments involved in homeownership, rather than making decisions based on market momentum alone.”
Reading beyond the headline numbers
The contrast between mortgage activity and off-plan sales does not necessarily point to a direct shift from one segment to another. Mortgage registrations can include refinancing and other secured lending, while off-plan purchases may also involve mortgage financing. Together, however, the figures underline the value of looking beyond headline sales activity when assessing the wider property market.
As Dubai’s real estate sector continues to evolve, financing will remain an important consideration for both prospective buyers and existing homeowners. Whether purchasing a completed property, reviewing an existing mortgage or planning a future investment, access to clear financing information can support more informed decisions.
